Detail of portrait with Patrice Villastrigo and her daughter Nikita at her home.

Detail of portrait with Patrice Villastrigo and her daughter Nikita at her home.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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A view of the doors to the library and office in Patrice Villastrigo's home.

A view of the doors to the library and office in Patrice Villastrigo's home.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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A view of the downstairs bathroom in Patrice Villastrigo's home.

A view of the downstairs bathroom in Patrice Villastrigo's home.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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A view of the downstairs bathroom in Patrice Villastrigo's home.

A view of the downstairs bathroom in Patrice Villastrigo's home.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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A view of the foyer in Patrice Villastrigo's home.

A view of the foyer in Patrice Villastrigo's home.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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At the home of Patrice Villastrigo, rows of books line the library near the ceiling, which is accented with alabaster and copper.

At the home of Patrice Villastrigo, rows of books line the library near the ceiling, which is accented with alabaster and copper.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Spaces: Finding a place in history

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The historic Jackson Ranch house and its owner, Patrice Villastrigo, both have many a story to tell.

Villastrigo, a woman who wears many hats — including those of psychologist, vocalist, and music and film producer — began studying the history of the Northwest Side property she bought in 2000.

Set on what Villastrigo says once was American Indian ceremonial grounds, Jackson Ranch dates to the early 1800s. Rancher William H. Jackson bought the original 600 hectares in 1853 and added a stagecoach stop to the property. Today, 4 acres remain of the parcel just outside Loop 410 near Interstate 10. In addition to the two-story estate house, which has five bedrooms and as many bathrooms and fireplaces, the property includes a guesthouse Villastrigo created in the former stable.

It was Al and Lanier Drake, who bought the house in 1915, who transformed the house, turning it into an art-filled property much like that of their contemporary Marion Koogler McNay's home. Many of their touches remain, including colorful concrete tiles like those at the McNay, soapstone columns on the front and a carport that Villastrigo describes as “art deco city.”

Library door panels painted by Lanier Drake depict the couple's wedding on the Isle of Capri, and the living room is reminiscent of the ship they cruised on for their honeymoon. Beams in the room represent the ship's keel, Villastrigo notes, and the fireplace created by San Antonio sculptor Gutzon Borglum depicts the gods of wind and sea.

Villastrigo restored the 1920s red oak flooring, laid over original pine floors, and built-in bookshelves in the library. The ceiling of alabaster and copper adds to the room's character.

The library, parlor, solarium and foyer are part of the original house, built from 18-inch-thick limestone blocks.

Villastrigo has opened her house to the public as an event center and for art shows, weddings, concerts and courses she leads in healing. She also conducts haunted-mansion sleepovers in which paying guests can commune with spirits that keep Villastrigo company in the 6,500-square-foot house. Paranormal investigators found evidence of the three resident ghosts, she says. “People who sleep in (the carriage house) tell me that they hear wheels and horses. It used to be the stable,” she says. Another ghost is musical, she says. “I can smell him when he's around. He plays Chopin on the baby grand.”

Villastrigo has added her chapter to the historic house inside and out. She surrounds herself with family heirlooms and pieces from her days of buying and selling estates.

In the parlor are her father's cedar chest and a dress worn by Doris Day. Hanging prominently in the dining room is a large portrait — an estate find — of Stephen F. Austin, who Villastrigo jokingly says has been her “confidant of many years.”

A painting by portrait artist Anthony Gruerio of Villastrigo and her daughter hangs in the stairwell.

“I wasn't looking for a house in the city, but when I saw this, I felt a tug in my gut and knew I was home,” Villastrigo says.

More Information

Got space?

Know of a beautiful and unique house that would be great in Spaces?

Email your suggestions to

Home & Garden Editor Tracy Hobson Lehmann, home@express-news.net

House rules

Historical facts: Rules and regulations may govern renovations to properties with historic status. Study up before delving in to a project.

History lesson: Villastrigo spent two years learning about her property and has gotten historic designations from the city and state. She is still working on documentation to have it put on the National Register of Historic Places. The Central Library and San Antonio Conservation Society Library and Archives, 107 King William St., are good places to start research.

In step with the times: Be prepared to keep a historic house's structure and theme. Villastrigo has furnished her home with pieces that reflect its past.

Keeping up: Maintaining an older property is costly and labor-intensive. Villastrigo relies on friends and artists to help in her preservation efforts, and she hosts public events at her home to offset expenses.